The temperature has cooled down. Don't wait for the winter to protect your residual limbs! Please keep this late autumn warm guide
The autumn wind is getting cooler day by day, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is becoming more and more obvious. When we start to add coats and change into thin fleece socks, don’t forget that there is a special “corner” of the body that needs more care in advance – that is our residual limbs. The cooling in late autumn is not only a physical sensation for amputees, but also may lead to early dry skin and slow blood circulation of the residual limb due to insufficient warmth, which may even affect the wearing comfort of the prosthetic limb. Today I’m going to talk to you about how to “keep your residual limbs warm” on cooling days, and recommend some useful protective items to make this late autumn more secure and comfortable.
1. First understand: As the temperature drops in late autumn, what are the residual limbs most afraid of?
Many amputee friends will find that their residual limbs tend to become dry and itchy in late autumn. They always feel tired when wearing prosthetic limbs, and occasionally feel cold and slightly numb. In fact, this is caused by low temperatures in the morning and evening: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in late autumn. The low temperature will slow down the blood circulation of the residual limb and reduce the secretion of skin oil. In addition, the friction between the skin and the socket increases when wearing the prosthesis during the day. It is easy for dryness and peeling to occur in advance. If not taken care of in time, the problem will become more obvious when winter really comes. Therefore, to protect the residual limbs in late autumn, there are two core things: Keep warm in time so as not to get cold, and moisturize well so as not to dry out .
Second and third steps to protect your residual limbs and adapt to cooling days in advance
1. Choose the right one "Underwear": Put on thin velvet socks specifically for the residual limb first
Ordinary socks worn in late autumn are either too thin and cannot withstand the cold, or are too thick to affect the wearing of the prosthetic limb, and it is easy to slip when wearing the prosthetic limb. It is recommended that you prepare this kind of special socks for residual limbs - The socks have a wide-brimmed design, which will not strangle the residual limb and affect blood circulation. The socks are made of thickened pure cotton material, which feels soft and fits the skin without being irritating. It can just resist the coolness of late autumn, and will not make the prosthetic leg tight because it is too thick. Moreover, the soles of the socks are treated with anti-slip treatment. When putting on the prosthesis in the morning, you will no longer have to worry about the socks wandering off for a long time. It’s a good idea to prepare some things in advance so that you can continue to use them when the weather gets colder.
2. Don’t forget to moisturize after cleansing: apply mild body lotion every day
The air is dry in late autumn, and the skin of the residual limbs is particularly prone to tightening and peeling after bathing. Scratching can also damage the skin. At this time, you must insist on applying body lotion. It is recommended to choose mild fragrance-free and alcohol-free body lotion. For example, this body lotion is specially designed for sensitive skin. The texture is light and non-greasy. It can be absorbed quickly after application. It will not stick to the prosthetic socket and will not make the prosthetic feel sticky when wearing it.
Usage is also very simple: after bathing, gently dry the residual limb with a clean towel (be careful not to rub hard to avoid damaging the skin), then take an appropriate amount of body lotion and gently massage upward from the end of the residual limb until it is completely absorbed. This can not only relieve dryness, but also promote blood circulation in the residual limb and reduce the feeling of coldness and numbness. After using it for a few days, you can obviously feel that the skin of your residual limbs has become smoother, and you will no longer feel uncomfortable due to dryness.
3. Add an extra layer when going out: A lightweight residual limb warmer can cope with the cold morning and evening.
It is very cold when going out in the morning and evening in late autumn. Wearing thin fleece socks alone may not be enough. At this time, you can add a lightweight residual limb warmer. This thermal cover is made of thin down cotton. It is lightweight but not heavy. It has just enough warmth to cope with the low temperatures in the morning and evening. It is also designed to fit the curve of the residual limb. It can be worn outside the thin down socks without affecting the wearing of the prosthetic limb at all. It has an elastic band at the opening, which holds it firmly in place and won't slide down when walking.
3. Additional reminder: Don’t ignore these details
Check the skin of the residual limb every day: you wear thicker clothes in late autumn than in summer, and it may be difficult to find minor problems with the residual limb. It is recommended that after taking off the prosthetic limb every night, use a mirror to carefully check whether the residual limb is red, swollen or damaged. Once any abnormality is found, deal with it in time before the problem becomes serious.
Regular cleaning of the prosthetic socket: You sweat less in late autumn, but there will still be dirt and dander in the socket. You can gently wipe the inside of the socket with warm water every week and let it dry before use. This maintains hygiene and can also reduce irritation to the skin of the residual limb.
Choose non-slip shoes: It occasionally rains in late autumn, and the road surface is slippery. You must choose non-slip shoes when walking with prosthetic limbs to avoid falling and damaging the residual limb. It is more important to protect yourself in advance than to remedy it afterwards.
4. The last thing I want to say
The cooling in late autumn is the "prediction" of winter. Protect your residual limbs in advance so that you can survive the cold weather safely. Cooling down and taking care of yourself is the best love for life. I hope that in this late autumn, every amputee friend can be surrounded by warmth and welcome the coming days safely and smoothly~